As a Raider fan I have watched Carr`s every snap the last 9 years. Below is a BR college scout report on Derek Carr and I can honestly tell you it is still dead on today:
I would add: Horrible PA fakes, almost non existent........ and plays poorly in cold weather
- Footwork needs improvement; he often retreats from pressure and throws off his back foot. Needs to step into his throws more consistently.
- Poor decision-making under duress.
- Average pocket presence with wavering poise and unrefined pocket movement.
- Stares down his intended target. He needs to improve eye discipline.
- Too often appears to be flustered by pressure. Can be quick to flee the pocket.
- Inconsistent mechanics, has a tendency to lock his lower half and throw with his arm alone.
- Struggles when his receivers’ routes are disrupted.
- Often late to recognize the blitz. (this one doesnt apply)
- Operated almost exclusively out of shotgun with four or five receiver sets.
- Not an anticipatory thrower.
- Will not hurt defenses on the ground. He has enough mobility to get by but is not much of a running threat.
- Hangs his receivers out to dry at times.
- Does not appear to see the field very well, throwing into double-teams occasionally.
- Struggled with top competition. College career ended on a lousy note as he was erratic
In Raider forums the last 9 years, there are always Carr fans saying, "Carr just needs...." the excuses are endless.
The most frustrating part is he physically has all the tools to be great but he lacks the mental toughness to override his fear of contact. He has zero pocket awareness and more than once fumbles the ball before actual contact in self preservation. He rarely hits a receiver in stride (see bullet point 10)
At best, he can be a mediocre game manager as long as his salary is consistent with that.
At worst, a $40 million/yr liability that needs a top 3 surrounding cast everywhere around him so he can be carried.
Good luck
PS: If Carr ends up here, you also adopt his dysfunction brothers Darren and David and the Ca Central Valley Carrdashians/Carrsaders that will infiltrate your forums